April 2014

2014 Update

It has been entirely too long since my last post, life has been busy. I haven't had much free time to sit down and upload photos, but I am taking the time now to do so. I am four weeks away from graduating with my cosmetology license, and I couldn't be more thrilled to start my career as a stylist. It's definitely been a long time coming for me to find my path- I've explored a lot of creative fields, but I do feel now that I have found a career that I can express my creativity and passion for beauty. 

Regarding the solarium and the orchids, there was a definitely a resting period when it was a bit chilly, with not much activity. This winter was pretty cold here in NC, and it snowed about 3 times- which is unusual for Charlotte since we are "lucky" to see it once a year. However there was some activity, most my species from the Philippines. Here are a few blooming better than they have before:

Phal lueddemanniana from Krull-Smith

The same Phal lueddemanniana as pictured above, it had a total of 6 flowers this season- it's second time blooming.

Phal micholitzii with snow in the background

Phal schilleriana, with 6 flowers this season, it's second blooming.

Phal gibossa 'Brenda', gifted from a friend! It smells like hot-glue. Not from the Phillipines, but Laos. I received this plant when I went to Greensboro to play my clarinet in a recital at the end of January. You can listen to the performance through facebook, it is the fourth track, Silentium Amoris, here. The piece was composed by my dear friend Carlos M. Fuentes back in 2007 when we attended UNCG together, for the two of us and another friend for the vocal part.

Phal equestris 'Rangiku', also from a friend.

Since my last post I hadn't bought any new orchids (which has been very challenging for me), until the annual Western North Carolina Orchid Society show in Asheville this past March. Krull-Smith was present again, and they certainly did not disappoint! I purchased five plants, one of which I gifted to one of my instructors at school. I can't take credit for blooming these, they came in bud.

The red flower at the bottom of this photo, Phal cornu-cervi fma chattaladae is from Orchidview, and I've had it for a little over 3 years. It's pictured with Phal amboinensis from Krull-Smith that I purchased at the show this year, along with Phal Corona (amboinensis var flava x cornu-cervi fma chattaladae). So this is like a family photo :) The Phal Corona has very large flowers for the breeding, and smells like root beer!!!

This is Phal amboinensis  from Krull-Smith, and I purchased it due to the unique color, it's less red looking in real life, and more of a brownish color. The fragrance honestly reminds me of Watermelon Jolly Ranchers.

This is Phal (Corning-Ambo "Orchid Classic Blood Red' x Penang Girl 'Orange Circle'), influenced by 4 different species. It has a sweet soapy fragrance, is very fragrant, and it appears to be quite vigorous. 

Another photo of  Phal (Corning-Ambo "Orchid Classic Blood Red' x Penang Girl 'Orange Circle'), backlit to show the concentric markings.

Phal speciosa ('Classic Splash' x 'Burgundy Splash') smells delightful. I chose this one for the purplish color and large flowers, much larger than my Phal speciosa 'C#1' and Phal tetrapsis fma red. This is the last of the four orchids I purchased for myself.

The following are plants that have been in my collection for a while.

This is Phal mannii, reblooming for the first time since I purchased it at the WNCOS in 2012. This is from Carter and Holmes.

Phal Dragon's Fire (venosa x corningiana) from Big Leaf Orchids by way of Chienlung. This one smells similar to Phal Penang Girl (venosa x violacea), smoky and sweet.

A 45 profile showing it in the late afternoon sun.

A profile showing how flat it is.

Next month I will definitely update as there are many orchids that have buds which I am very excited to see bloom!